Business

Lost Color Footage of what Appears to be Aftermath of Fargo’s ’57 F5 Tornado

It includes shots of Immanuel Lutheran church with its roof gone

FARGO, ND — It is unbelievable timing. One month ago, Charlie Francis bought some old home movies during an online auction from the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. He was surprised to come across what appears to be lost footage from the aftermath of the deadly 1957 Fargo tornado. It was 60 years ago yesterday when the F5 tornado killed 12…

Fargo Fire Department Secures New Drone

About six crew members are being trained in on how to use it

FARGO, ND — Area firefighters will soon be able to get a bird’s eye view of the flames. The Fargo Fire Department got a new drone. It will let them get thermal images of large fires and look for hazardous materials before sending in a crew. About six crew members are being trained in on how to use it. Fire…

North Dakota Ag Officials Joining Call for Emergency Action Over Drought Conditions

North Dakota's congressional delegation made the same request earlier this week

  NORTH DAKOTA — Officials are calling on Ag Secretary Perdue to open CRP land for haying and grazing due to widespread drought. North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and National Farmers Union President Roger Johnson have joined the call for the emergency action. North Dakota’s congressional delegation made the same request earlier this week. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor…

Fargo’s Pawn America Closes its Doors

The president said all other Pawn America stores in the Midwest will remain open

  FARGO, ND — Pawn America is shutting down its Fargo location after all. The company announced in April that it was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and the president said then that stores would not be shutting down. But employees at the Fargo location on 13th Avenue South were told in May that its store will close by the…

North Dakota Opioid Deaths on the Rise

The state will provide $180,000 to each of six successful community applicants

  NORTH DAKOTA — North Dakota recorded 61 drug-related overdose deaths in 2015. That was an increase from 43 deaths in 2014 and 20 in 2013. The North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Behavioral Health Division is now encouraging communities to apply for funding to address the opioid crisis. The goal is to identify gaps and strengthen existing community prevention…

Judge Convicts Fargo Man in Mapleton Gas Station Sex Assault

A pre-sentence investigation has been ordered before sentencing

  FARGO, ND — A district judge in Fargo has convicted a Fargo man in the sexual assault of an employee at a convenience store in Mapleton. Prosecutors say Abdulrahman Ali forced the female employee into a restroom at Gordy’s Travel Center in December 2015, claiming that she was his wife. Ali gave up his right to a jury trial…

North Dakota to Pay $3 Million for Voluntary Buyouts

Gov. Burgum said the buyouts might limit the need for layoffs

  BISMARCK, ND — North Dakota will pay about $3 million to 158 employees approved for voluntary buyouts. In April, Gov. Burgum gave 17 agency heads the option to offer buyouts to employees. He said the buyouts might limit the need for layoffs. At least 200 people applied for the buyouts, but it was up to the agencies to determine…

Local Programs Continue Despite Defunding of BreatheND

The funding will now be housed at the North Dakota Department of Health

FARGO, ND — BreathND is done at the end of the month. The legislature voted to defund the state’s tobacco prevention agency in April. There will no longer be a statewide agency dedicated to tobacco prevention come July 1st. The funding will now be housed at the North Dakota Department of Health. Whether it was providing education or a plan…

Fergus Falls Community Garden Committed to Making Region Healthier

Lakes Region Takes Root in Fergus Falls Has a Mission To Provide Healthy Options To Those in Need

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. — Community gardens are popular in our region because they offer people a chance to socialize with others while learning how to garden fresh produce. One community garden in Fergus Falls is offering that and more. Five years ago, Jason Bergstrand had the idea of a community garden that would help improve access to healthy food throughout Otter…

Essentia Health Holds Cancer Journey Conference for Survivors

A cancer journey conference was held to let survivors know they're not alone

MOORHEAD, Minn. — Essentia Health dedicated an entire day to educating and empowering cancer survivors in the metro. A cancer journey conference was held at the Courtyard by Marriott in Moorhead for cancer survivors. They had learning sessions, friendly discussions and got inspiring messages from their peers. Breakout sessions took place including art journaling and genetics knowledge. Program directors say it’s…